DISABLED REFUGE

With access provided for all, provision must be made for safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. In some circumstances, those with physical impairments can be assisted by others – but in many situations this is neither suitable nor safe.

A solution comes in the form of temporary areas of safety – ‘refuge areas’. The person in need of assistance is helped to the closest refuge area and awaits safe evacuation.

Refuge areas must meet certain criteria, these are covered in BS9999:2008. As well as describing suitable areas for refuge and the type of construction, the Standard specifies the need for two way communication.

BS5839-9:2003, provides the details on the communication system that is needed for a refuge area.